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Crete: Dia Island Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar & Lunch

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Duration5h 30m

GroupUp to 22

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

Heraklion sailing to Dia Island with seafood lunch and open bar

You’ll board a luxury catamaran in Heraklion for a day trip to Dia Island, swimming and snorkeling in turquoise bays only reachable by boat. Enjoy a Mediterranean seafood lunch freshly prepared onboard (with vegetarian options), plus an open bar with local wine and beer. Paddleboard or just relax on deck as Cretan sun warms your skin—this is one of those days you’ll remember for its simple pleasures.

5h 30m

Step-by-step itinerary

Depart from Heraklion on catamaran
Arrive at Dia Island bay
Swim, snorkel, SUP board, and fish
Enjoy Mediterranean seafood lunch
Drink from open bar
Eat fresh seasonal fruits
Sunbathe, relax, or swim again
Return to Heraklion

The Experience

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran just after leaving Heraklion’s old port — I could still smell the morning coffee clinging to my hands. The crew greeted us with these little Cretan pastries (I forgot the name, but they were flaky and sweet) and it felt like everyone relaxed at once. As we pulled away, the city faded behind us and all you could hear was water slapping against the hull, plus someone’s laughter drifting from up front. I didn’t expect the sea to be that blue — almost fake-looking — but there it was, stretching out toward Dia Island.

Our guide, Maria, pointed out tiny fishing boats along the way and told stories about pirates hiding on Dia centuries ago. She handed me a snorkel mask that actually fit (rare for my nose) and told us where to spot starfish once we anchored in the bay. The wind picked up for a minute — salty and sharp — but then calmed as we dropped anchor. Jumping into the water was colder than I thought; you know that shock when you first hit? But after a few seconds it felt perfect. There was this quiet under the surface except for my own bubbles.

I tried stand-up paddleboarding for maybe five minutes before falling off twice (Maria cheered anyway). Lunch came out smelling like herbs and lemon — I picked the seafood risotto with those crispy shrimp things wrapped in something almost like angel hair pasta. We ate at this long table on deck while white wine kept appearing in our glasses. Someone asked about moussaka so Maria explained how her grandmother makes it differently every time; she laughed when I tried to say “kali orexi.” After lunch, fruit appeared — cold slices of melon and something sticky-sweet that tasted like honey.

I lay back on one of those big cushions watching clouds drift over Dia’s rocky hills, feeling sun-warm and sort of weightless. There were kids fishing off the side, people napping or talking quietly — no rush at all. I still think about that view back toward Crete as we sailed home, salt drying on my skin and hair tangled from wind. It’s funny how quickly a place can feel familiar when you’re sharing food and stories with strangers.

What’s included

Your day includes welcome coffee with Cretan delicacies as you set sail from Heraklion port toward Dia Island.
all premium snorkeling gear, stand-up paddleboards, inflatable sea toys and fishing equipment.
a freshly prepared Mediterranean lunch with your choice of seafood risotto or vegetarian/meat options served alongside salads.
gourmet cheese platters.
an open bar offering unlimited water, soft drinks, local white wine and beer (for guests 18+).
seasonal fruits and local desserts after lunch.
free WiFi onboard.
plus access to restrooms and showers throughout your journey before returning to port in the afternoon.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Eos Yachts | Catamaran Cruises